CHABAD of CHATTANOOGA Rabbi Shaul Perlstein Hebrew School Days
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CHABAD OF CHATTANOOGA Rabbi Shaul Perlstein Hebrew School Days from the Chabad.org website The two brothers, the famed RabbiElimelech of Li- zensk and Rabbi Zushe of Anipoli, often wandered about together, posing as simple beggars. They would mingle with the masses, listening, teach- ing, speaking, helping and guiding whomever and whenever they could. Once, while they were traveling with a group of vagabonds, members of the group were accused of being thieves, resulting in the entire bunch being thrown into jail. Confident of their innocence and eventual release, the two brothers sat quietly. As the afternoon progressed, Rabbi Elimelech stood up to prepare himself to pray the afternoon service. “What are you doing?” his brother asked. “I’m getting ready for minchah,” replied Rabbi Elimelech. “Dear brother,” advised Rabbi Zushe, “it is forbidden to pray in this cell, because there is a pail that serves as a toilet nearby, making the room unfit for prayer.” Dejected, the holy Rabbi Elimelech sat down. Soon after, Rabbi Elimel- ech began to cry. “Why are you crying?” said Rabbi Zushe. “Is it because you are unable to pray?” Reb Elimelech answered affirmatively. “But why weep?” continued Rabbi Zushe. “Don’t you know that the same G d who commanded you to pray, also commanded you not to pray when the room is unfit for prayer? By not praying in this room, you have achieved a connection with G d. True, it is not the connection that you had sought. Yet, if you truly want the divine connection, you would be happy that G d has afforded you the opportunity to obey His law at this time, no matter what it is.” “You are right, my brother!” exclaimed Rabbi Elimelech, suddenly smil- ing. The feelings of dejection banished from his heart and mind, Rabbi Elimelech took his brother’s arm and began to dance from joy as a result of performing the mitzvah of not praying in an inappropriate place. The guards heard the commotion and came running. Witnessing the two brothers dancing—with their long beards and flowing tzitzit—the guards asked the other prisoners what had happened. “We have no idea!” they answered, mystified. “Those two Jews were discussing the pail in the corner, when all of a sudden they came to some happy Mini Chefs: March 20 conclusion and began to dance.” 3:30-5 pm. At Chabad “Is that right?” sneered the guards. “They’re happy because of the pail, Calling children ages 0-8 to showcase your talents in the are they? We’ll show them!” They promptly removed the pail from the cell. kitchen. Join us for an afternoon of fun baking hamantashen. The holy brothers then prayed minchah undisturbed . You are sure to walk out with a trophy of your own. Jewish Womens Circle 6th Annual Hamantash Bake with Gayle Roistacher Sunday, March 6 @ 7 p.m. Roll up your sleeves, bake, and bring home a variety of delicious samples in new and classic flavors. Learn the basic story of Purim, its deeper dimensions, and its life lessons. Enjoy a delicious Purim buffet! The New Chabad Center for Jewish Life and Learning: A Photo Update Finishing the stage in the shul Electricians wiring for new lights This is just some of the progress over the last couple of months. We are getting close to completion! 16 The Shofar March 2016 HADASSAH NEWS Hadassah Happenings by Cathryn Cohen Chapter Reporter Chattanooga Chapter Thank you Karen Hinkes for opening her home to Hadassah and hosting, “In the Kitchen with Noa.” Thank you to Noa Hadad, our fabulous Israeli shlicha, for holding her cooking event on February 28 and teaching us her secrets for turning out yummy challah and rugelach and downing them with her famous Israeli coffee. Beginning in December, Hadassah celebrated Jewish National Fund (JNF) Student supporter of JNF with Sandy Tabakin and Millie Lander Tu B’Shevat during Chattanooga Jewish Congregational Religious School (CJCRS) at Mizpah Congregation. Tu B’Shevat is Israel’s Arbor Day. JNF Blue Boxes had been distributed to all CJCRS students in December so that they could decorate the coin boxes and donate “gelt” for trees to be planted in Israel in January and Febru- ary. The Best Decorated Boxes and Most Generous Donors received special recog- nition. Sunday school parents and faculty members purchased many JNF Tree and Water Certificates at $18 each. These Certificates help fund reforestation projects and the building of dams, reservoirs and water reclamation centers in Israel. Thank you again to CJCRS Co- Directors Jackie Rosenfield and Paula Israel for their creativity and enthusiasm for this very special program. JNF Certificates are a wonderful way of honoring life cycle events such as milestone birthdays or anniversaries. Tree or Water Certificates are $18 each. Contact Millie Lander for information. Commitment to Hadassah by purchasing Life Memberships, Annual Mem- berships, Associate Memberships and beautiful jewelry is always appreciated. In 2016, Hadassah annual members may upgrade to Life Membership before their an- nual membership expires at a reduced enrollment fee of $180. For more information, Best decorated JNF Blue Boxes Religious contact Barbara Oxenhandler. Membership in Hadassah is the perfect gift that fits School Co- every occasion Directors The newest Hadassah jewelry features a heart necklace, priced at $100, (l-r) Paula which supports the new addition to Hadassah Hospital. Three styles of bracelets at Israel and $25 each support Young Judaea scholarships. The jewelry is available through Millie Jackie Lander. For all lifecycle events, think of purchasing cards through Paula Israel. Rosenfeld, Save the Dates: Hadassah National just announced that their 2016 National with Sandy Convention will be held in Atlanta July 25-28. Members can attend for one or all Tabakin three days. More information will be available later this spring. Supporting Hadassah means putting our Jewish values into action: Advo- cacy, Health and Well-being; Building community in Israel and the United States. HADASSAH: Trouble Putting our Jewish values into action: Breathing? Advocacy, Health Let Us Help! and Well-being, July 25-28 Hadassah National’s 2016 Pulmonary & Critical Care Building National Convention will be Michael T. Czarnecki, M.D. Consultants of Chattanooga (Dr. Mike) is Now Accepting New Patients Community in held in Atlanta. Members can Board Certified COPD/ Lung Cancer attend for one or all three Emphysema Screening Israel and the United days. More information will be available later this spring. Pulmonary Clinical Research States. Hypertension Trial Participation Jewish-style food, haimisha atmosphere Smoking General Pulmonary Cessation Medicine Catering for all events! OPEN 7 DAYS Serving the Metro Chattanooga Area with Sun.- Fri. 10:30-3:00 Two Convenient Office Locations McCallie Avenue — East Ridge Sat. 10:30 to 5:00 And Privileges At All Area Medical Facility Hospitals tel 756-3354 (DELI) We accept most major insurance plans fax 266-8646 (TOGO) 151 River Street across from Coolidge Park Contact Us Today riverstreet-deli.com (423) 710-3864 Check our website for our daily menu Immediate Appointments Available March 2016 The Shofar 17 www.thelungdocs.com FEDERATION BULLETIN BOARD The Shofar Jewish Federation Published ten times a year by the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga Mission Statement The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga builds and fosters a Lee Brouner, Board Chair strong unified Jewish community and strives to ensure its well-being and Michael Dzik, Executive Director continuity locally, in Israel, and throughout the world. 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